Last night’s FA Youth Cup final certainly didn’t go to plan for Arsenal, with Jack Wilshere’s side suffering a 5-1 defeat to West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.
In truth perhaps 5-1 wasn’t an entirely fair reflection of the game, with Arsenal having some encouraging moments, but West Ham were certainly the better side and deserved to secure glory.
In the early stages Arsenal acquitted themselves well and took the lead through Omari Benjamin, who was again deployed on the left wing.
Although Benjamin is now mainly used as a striker, it is arguable that he is most effective when deployed as a left winger as he can make dangerous runs infield.
Arsenal’s overall performance wasn’t of the highest standard as they struggled to get the best out of some of their key players, such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Lewis-Skelly, for instance, was often left isolated in midfield, with Bradley Ibrahim frequently dropping very deep.
Reuell Walters, who has been on the bench for the first-team recently, had some good moments and pushed forward from the back to good effect on several occasions.
However, this was West Ham’s night and Arsenal will be frustrated that they didn’t show a bit more ruthlessness at times.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Nice write up Jeorge.
Was there last night, & totally agree on your point about the MF. Had heard a lot about MLS, but he was totally isolated in there. Didn’t stand a chance.
All the Arsenal boys looked good players, but seemed to lack a team ethic last night. Too keen to shine on the big stage, whereas the West Ham lads seemed much more cohesive.
Definitely wasn’t a 5-1 game though.
Was there myself. The pace of the game was staggering. West Ham were a very, very good side. Unfortunately the gift of the third goal and not taking chances early 2nd half were our undoing. That and we were cut through too easily.
Ethan Nwaneri looks our brightest prospect imo, but his tendency to try and do everything on his own was rather frustrating